Establishment, culture, and characterization of Guinea pig fetal fibroblast cell

L-Proline as a Cryoprotective Agent for the Preservation of Galea Spixii Skin Fibroblasts

Somatic cell biobanking is a promising strategy for developing reproductive techniques. Although cryopreservation, a technique used for creating biobanks, has been performed on Galea spixii, structural and physiological damage to its cells highlight the need to optimize the cryoprotective solution being used. Therefore, the osmoprotective activity of 5 mM L-proline was evaluated as an alternative cryoprotectant for G. spixii fibroblast conservation. The concentration was defined based on previous studies conducted on mammalian cells. Cells derived from the skin of six individuals were cultured until the fifth passage were cryopreserved under the following treatments: (i) control (non-cryopreserved); (ii) a solution with 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO), 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), and 0.2 M sucrose; (iii) a solution with 10% Me2SO, 10% FBS, and 5 mM L-proline; and (iv) a solution with 10% Me2SO, 10% FBS, 0.2 M sucrose, and 5 mM L-proline. Tests were conducted to analyze cell morphology, viability, metabolism, proliferation, and apoptosis; reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels; and mitochondrial membrane activity (ΔΨm). A reduction in the number of viable cells (72.3% ± 1.2%) was observed in the sucrose-containing group compared to the control (86.7% ± 2.0%) and L-proline (88.4% ± 1.8% and 87.8% ± 2.1%) groups. After apoptotic analysis, a reduction in the number of viable cells was observed in the group with sucrose alone (74.6% ± 4.1%) compared to the control group (88.2% ± 1.1%). The ROS levels (1.03 ± 0.5 and 1.07 ± 0.5, respectively) and ΔΨm values (0.99 ± 0.42 and 1.22 ± 0.73, respectively) observed in the groups with L-proline were similar to that observed in the control group (1.00 ± 0.5 and 1.00 ± 0.4, respectively). Moreover, no difference was observed between groups for cell morphology, metabolism, or proliferation. Thus, L-proline is a cryoprotectant agent that can be used during G. spixii fibroblast cryopreservation, alone or with sucrose. In addition, we developed an adequate biobank for G. spixii, whereby stored cells could be used for reproductive techniques.

Long-term preservation of established fibroblast lines from six-banded armadillos (Euphractus sexcintus, Linnaeus, 1758) by extended passage and cryopreservation

Establishing new somatic cell cultures has raised significant attention as an effective and convenient way to preserve genetic samples for different applications. Although many lines have been established in model animals, none derived from six-banded armadillo species is currently available. We report the successful isolation and characterization of fibroblasts from six-banded armadillos, evaluating the cell quality after extended culture and cryopreservation. Initially, we collected ear skin from five captive adult individuals and identified fibroblast lines by morphology, karyotyping, and immunophenotyping assays. The isolated fibroblasts were evaluated after several passages (fourth, seventh, and tenth passages) and cryopreservation by slow freezing. Cell morphology, viability, metabolism, proliferative activity, mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptosis levels were analyzed. The skin explants had great adhesion, and cell outgrowth could be seen after 3-6 d. The cells were verified as fibroblasts at the fourth passage by vimentin expression and normal karyotype (2n = 58). The viability remained high (> 87%) and constant from the fourth to the tenth passage (p > 0.05). The passages did not change the cell morphology and metabolic and growth rates. Moreover, cryopreservation did not affect most evaluated parameters; post-thawed cells maintained their viability, growth, metabolism, and apoptosis levels. Nevertheless, cryopreservation increased mitochondrial membrane permeability and cell population doubling time compared to non-cryopreserved cells (p < 0.05). In summary, viable fibroblasts can be obtained from six-banded armadillo skin while conserving their quality as the number of passages increases and featuring few changes after cryopreservation.

Establishment and Characterization of a Primary Fibroblast Cell Culture from the Amazonian Manatee (Trichechus inunguis)

The vulnerable status of the Amazon manatee, Trichechus inunguis, indicates the need to seek measures to guarantee its conservation. In this context, the cultivation of cells in vitro is a strategy that should at least guarantee the preservation of their genetic material. Thus, we established for the first time a primary culture of Amazonian manatee fibroblasts (TINsf) from a skin biopsy of a young male. Karyotypic analysis of the 3rd, 7th, and 12th passages confirmed the taxonomic identity of the species T. inunguis (2n = 56/NF = 92) and indicated that this culture presents genomic stability. Gene and protein expression of vimentin at the 13th passage show the predominant presence of fibroblasts in TINsf. To test the cell line's responsiveness to materials and demonstrate a possible application of this culture, it was exposed to andiroba seed oil (ASO), and its viability and proliferative capacity were evaluated. ASO demonstrated toxic effects at the highest concentrations and longest exposure times tested, reproducing results observed in human cultures, indicating the applicability of TINsf in toxicological and biotechnological studies. After cryopreservation, the TINsf line maintained its proliferative potential, indicating the establishment of a new culture available for future studies.

Comparison between concentration and type of intracellular cryoprotectants and the presence of sucrose for cryobanks of somatic cells derived from captive Pumas

The loss of wild biodiversity has prompted the development of cryobanks, such as those of somatic cells. This is the reality of Pumas, wild felids of ecological importance that suffer from anthropogenic actions, population decline, and subsequent loss of genetic diversity. Somatic cell banks are a strategy for conserving population diversity. We compared different concentrations and types of intracellular cryoprotectants (dimethyl sulfoxide, DMSO; ethylene glycol, EG) associated with 0.2 M of sucrose (SUC) in the cryopreservation of the somatic cells of captive Pumas. The cells were cryopreserved by slow freezing with different solutions containing Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium with 10% fetal bovine serum and varying concentrations of DMSO and EG in the absence or presence of SUC. The cells were analyzed for morphological characteristics, viability, proliferative activity, metabolic activity, and apoptosis levels. Cells maintained similar fusiform morphology before and after cryopreservation. There was no difference in viability, regardless of the reduction in the concentration and type of intracellular cryoprotectants and sucrose. Similarly, proliferative activity, metabolic activity, and apoptosis levels were not altered by the composition of the cryoprotectants. In summary, we demonstrate that reducing the concentration of DMSO or EG ensures adequate cryopreservation of Puma somatic cells, regardless of the presence of SUC.

Morphological, Ultrastructural, and Immunocytochemical Characterization and Assessment of Puma (Puma concolor Linnaeus, 1771) Cell Lines After Extended Culture and Cryopreservation

Cell lines are valuable tools to safeguard genetic material from species threatened with extinction that is mainly due to human action. In this scenario, the puma constitutes a species whose population is being rapidly reduced in the ecosystems it inhabits. For the first time, we characterized puma skin-derived cell lines and assessed these cells after extended culture (experiment 1) and cryopreservation (experiment 2). Initially, we identified and characterized four dermal fibroblast lines using morphology, ultrastructure, and immunofluorescence assays. Moreover, we evaluated the effects of culture time (1st, 3rd, and 10th passages) and cryopreservation on their morphology, ultrastructure, viability, metabolism, proliferative activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and apoptosis. The cells showed a typical spindle-shaped morphology with centrally located oval nuclei. The cells were identified as fibroblasts by staining for vimentin. In vitro culture after the 1st, 3rd, and 10th passages did not alter most of the evaluated parameters. Cells in the 3rd and 10th passages showed a reduction in ROS levels (p < 0.05). The ultrastructure revealed morphological damage in the prolongments, and nuclei of cells derived from the 3rd and 10th passages. Moreover, cryopreservation resulted in a reduction in ΔΨm compared with that of noncryopreserved cells, suggesting that the optimization of cryopreservation methods for puma fibroblasts is essential. In conclusion, we found that viable fibroblasts could be obtained from puma skin, with slight changes after the 10th passage in in vitro culture and cryopreservation. This is the first report on the development of cell lines derived from pumas.

Cryopreservation of Iranian Markhoz goat fibroblast cells as an endangered national genetic resource

Background

The continuous accessibility of local animals for sustainable use is being eroded annually. Thus, a strategic vision for the conservation of biodiversity is of far-reaching emphasis to deal with unprecedented challenges in the local population extension facing in the future. This study aimed to establish and cryopreserve endangered Markhoz goat (Capra hircus) fibroblast cell lines in vitro.

Methods and results

These primary fibroblast cells were isolated from 58 Iranian Markhoz goats and individually cultured by explant technique in DMEM medium supplemented with 10% FBS and 2 mM L-Glutamine, in the presence of Penicillin (200 U/ml)—Streptomycin (200 mg/ml) during the first passage number. The extracted cell lines were confirmed morphologically as fibroblast cells. The population doubling time for DMEM-cultured cells was 23 ± 0.5 h. Chromosomal analysis indicated a total chromosome number of 2n = 60 with > 95% frequency. The cultured cells were checked for bacteria, fungi, yeast, and mycoplasma contaminations and the results were reported negative. The efficiencies of the fluorescent protein encoded by VSV-G (pMDG) and lentiviral pCSGW vectors reported in a range of 65% value. According to the species identification analysis, the goat cell lines were banked and confirmed without any miss- and cross-contamination.

Conclusions

The significant issue in this paper can be concluded about the first report of the establishment of endangered Markhoz goat cell banking inside the country. This study demonstrated the successful establishment of a genetically stable fibroblast bank as a valuable genetic resource for the endangered Iranian Markhoz goat breed.

Establishment, characterization, and cryopreservation of cell lines derived from red-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina Linnaeus, 1758) - A study in a wild rodent

Somatic cells can be used for rescuing wild mammals of ecological and economic importance, such as red-rumped agouti, through their application in advanced technologies. Thus, appropriate cell isolation, culture, and storage through cryopreservation can ensure the future safe use of these cells. We aimed to establish and evaluate the effects of culture time (second, fifth, and eighth passages) and cryopreservation on the morphology, viability, metabolism, proliferative activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and apoptosis on somatic cells derived from red-rumped agouti skin. Initially, we identified six dermal fibroblast lines by morphology, immunophenotyping, and karyotyping assays. In vitro culture after the second, fifth, and eighth passages, as well as the cryopreservation conditions used did not affect the metabolism or level of apoptosis. Nevertheless, cells in the fifth passage featured a reduction in proliferative activity and an increase in ROS levels when compared to second and eighth passage cells. Moreover, cryopreservation resulted in reduced ΔΨm when compared to non-cryopreserved cells. Additionally, cryopreserved cells showed a reduction in viability immediately after thawing; nevertheless, the viability of these cells was re-established after 11 days of in vitro culture and was similar to that of non-cryopreserved cells. In conclusion, we have shown that viable fibroblasts can be obtained from red-rumped agouti skin, featuring minimal changes after eight passages in in vitro culture systems. Additionally, adjustments to the cryopreservation protocol are necessary to reduce cellular oxidative stress caused by low temperatures.

A Comparative Approach of Cellular Reprogramming in the Rodentia Order

Cellular reprogramming mainly involves induction of reactivation of genes responsible for nuclear plasticity, a process that can be performed in vitro through production of cloned embryos by somatic cell nuclear transfer or by induction of cells into the pluripotent state through exogenous transcription factor expression. While these techniques are already well known and utilized in mice and rats, their application in other rodent species would be greatly beneficial, especially for conservation purposes. Within the diverse Rodentia order, wild species stand out as they play an important role in balancing the ecosystem by facilitating seed diversion, soil aeration, and consequently, reforestation. Many of these species are currently approaching extinction, and application of techniques, such as nuclear reprogramming, aimed at species conservation and multiplication and to produce stem cells is of interest. Thus, in this review, we aimed to present the evolution and success of nuclear reprogramming, mainly highlighting its potential application for the conservation of wild rodents.

Isolation, characterization, and cryopreservation of collared peccary skin-derived fibroblast cell lines

Background

Biobanking of cell lines is a promising tool of support for wildlife conservation. In particular, the ability to preserve fibroblast cell lines derived from collared peccaries is of significance as these wild mammals are unique to the Americas and play a large role in maintaining the ecosystem. We identified collared peccary fibroblasts by immunofluorescence and evaluated their morphology, growth and adherence capacity. Further, we monitored the viability and metabolic activity of the fibroblasts to determine the effects of passage number and cryopreservation on establishment of cell lines.

Methods

Skin biopsies were collected from the peripheral ear region from five adult animals in captivity. Initially, cells were isolated from fragments and cultured in the Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and 2% antibiotic-antimycotic solution under a controlled atmosphere (38.5 °C, 5% CO₂). We evaluated the maintenance of primary cells for morphology, adherence capacity of explants, explants in subconfluence, cell growth and absence of contamination. Moreover, we identified the fibroblast cells by immunofluorescence. Additionally, to evaluate the influence of the number of passages (first, third and tenth passage) and cryopreservation on establishment of cell lines, fibroblasts were analysed for the viability, metabolic activity, population doubling time (PDT), levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm).

Results

All explants (20/20) adhered to the dish in 2.4 days ± 0.5 with growth around the explants in 4.6 days ± 0.7, and subconfluence was observed within 7.8 days ± 1.0. Moreover, by morphology and immunocytochemistry analyses, cells were identified as fibroblasts which presented oval nuclei, a fusiform shape and positive vimentin staining. No contamination was observed after culture without antibiotics and antifungals for 30 days. While there was no difference observed for cell viability after the passages (first vs. third: P = 0.98; first vs. tenth: P = 0.76; third vs. tenth: P = 0.85), metabolic activity was found to be reduced in the tenth passage (23.2 ± 12.1%) when compared to that in the first and third passage (100.0 ± 24.4%, P = 0.006). Moreover, the cryopreservation did not influence the viability (P = 0.11), metabolic activity (P = 0.77), or PDT (P = 0.11). Nevertheless, a greater ΔΨm (P = 0.0001) was observed for the cryopreserved cells (2.12 ± 0.14) when compared to that in the non-cryopreserved cells (1.00 ± 0.05). Additionally, the cryopreserved cells showed greater levels of intracellular ROS after thawing (1.69 ± 0.38 vs. 1.00 ± 0.22, P = 0.04).

Conclusions

This study is the first report on isolation, characterization and cryopreservation of fibroblasts from collared peccaries. We showed that adherent cultures were efficient for obtaining fibroblasts, which can be used as donor cells for nuclei for species cloning and other applications.

An efficient method of generating skin fibroblast cells for cell banking

An optimum cell culture medium is used to generate fibroblast cells for cell banking. Here, we describe a method for obtaining higher number of pure fibroblast cells in much shorter duration from skin tissue explants. Two pronged strategy was used, first two different culture media were selected, one for preferential generation of fibroblast cells in primary culture (Human fibroblast specific media- HifibroXL) and another for their faster multiplication in secondary culture (DMEM + Ham's F12). Secondly, tissue explants were cultured not only once but up to six times increasing the generation of primary cells per se. This method initially standardized with buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) skin tissue explants works efficiently with camel (Camelus bactrianus) and horse (Equs caballus). Modified cell culture method increases the efficiency of establishing fibroblast cell banks by reducing the cost both in terms of consumables and human effort. It is well suited for today's fast-paced conservation laboratories.

The Effects of Cryopreservation on Different Passages of Fibroblast Cell Culture in Brown Brocket Deer (Mazama gouazoubira)

The brown brocket deer Mazama gouazoubira is 1 of the 10 recognized brocket deer of the Neotropical region. Recently, this species has suffered a population decline due to current threats, mainly poaching and habitat loss. Several studies have shown that some endangered species can benefit from interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer technology through the use of their somatic cells, such as the fibroblasts. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify the viability and the effect of cryopreservation on fibroblasts after several passages. For this purpose, fibroblast cells were cultured until passages 4, 7, and 10 (cultured control groups) and cryopreserved in cryotubes (frozen/warmed groups). The cellular viability, functionality, and percentage of cells undergoing necrosis and apoptosis were evaluated. The survival rates were always higher than 80% irrespective of the tested group, except for passage 10 in the frozen/warmed group. Population doubling time of cultured cells from passage 10 was significantly higher than that of passages 4 and 7, exhibiting low metabolic activity and a higher percentage of cells in initial apoptosis. In conclusion, the M. gouazoubira fibroblast-derived cell line provides an essential resource for further studies regarding reproductive biotechniques and is likely to be useful as an ex situ conservation strategy.

The Role of Human Adult Peripheral and Umbilical Cord Blood Platelet-Rich Plasma on Proliferation and Migration of Human Skin Fibroblasts

BACKGROUND

Wound healing is a complex and dynamic process following damage in tissue structures. Due to extensive skin damage caused by burn injuries, this study determined the role of human adult peripheral and umbilical cord blood platelet-rich plasma on proliferation and migration in human skin fibroblasts.

METHODS

Platelet-rich plasma (5, 10, 15, 20 and 50% PRP) from human umbilical cord blood and adult peripheral blood were provided and added to fibroblasts cultured from a human skin sample. Migration and proliferation of fibroblasts were assessed in comparison to 10% FBS and by the fibroblast responses to a concentration gradient.

RESULTS

All components of the umbilical cord blood PRP significantly stimulated the growth of fibroblasts when compared to the negative control. Fibroblast growth was enhanced in a dose dependent manner. All fibroblast cultures retained normal morphology. No significant difference was noted between umbilical cord blood and adult peripheral blood PRP preparations regarding cell proliferation and migration, but the difference to 10% FBS was significant. 1% and 50% PRP reduced cellular proliferation. The 20% umbilical cord blood PRP and 10% adult peripheral blood PRP had a significant stimulatory effect on the migration of the skin fibroblast cells in comparison with 10% FBS.

CONCLUSION

As PRP could promote the migration and proliferation of dermal fibroblasts, it can be safely added in cultures when treatment of chronic wounds without triggering the immune response is needed.

Generation and characterization of induced pluripotent stem cells from guinea pig fetal fibroblasts

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) represent an important tool to develop disease-modeling assays, drug testing assays and cell-based replacement therapies. The application of iPS in these fields requires the development of suitable animal models. Of the suitable species, guinea pigs are particularly important and offer significant advantages. Successful iPS generation has been accomplished in a number of species; however, it has not been reported in the guinea pig. The present study successfully generated iPS from guinea pigs (giPS) using single polycistronic virus transduction with mouse octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4), sex determining region Y-box 2 (Sox2), Kruppel-like factor 4 and c-Myc. The giPS cell lines were cultured in media containing leukemia inhibitory factor and guinea pig fibroblast cells were used as feeder cells. These cultures were expanded under feeder-free culture conditions using ESGRO Complete Plus Clonal Grade medium containing 15% fetal bovine serum on gelatin-coated dishes. The resultant cells had a normal karyotype, exhibited alkaline phosphatase activity and expressed the pluripotency markers Oct4, Sox2 and Nanog. The cells differentiated in vivo to form teratomas that contained all three germ layers of the tissue cells. The generation of giPS may facilitate future studies investigating the mechanisms underlying innate immunity, particularly for tuberculosis. These experiments provide proof of principle that iPS technology may be adapted to use the guinea pig as a model of human diseases.

Conservation of somatic tissue derived from collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758) using direct or solid-surface vitrification techniques

Cryopreservation of somatic tissue can be applied in biodiversity conservation, especially for wild species as collared peccary. We aimed to evaluate the effect of vitrification techniques of ear tissue of collared peccary [direct vitrification in cryovials (DVC) or solid-surface vitrification (SSV)] on the layers of epidermis and dermis by conventional histology and cell ability during the in vitro culture. Thus, both the vitrification methods were able to maintain normal patterns of the epidermis as the cornea and granular layers, furthermore the intercellular space and dermal-epidermal junction of the spinous layer when compared to fresh control. Nevertheless, DVC and SSV percentage of normality decreased in the morphological integrity of cytoplasm (37.5 and 25.0%) of spinous layer, respectively, as compared to the fresh fragments (100%, p < 0.05). Moreover, other differences between the fresh control (100%) and DVC tissues were verified in the intra-epidermal cleavage of the spinous (37.5%) and basal (37.5%) layers. In general, DVC and SSV techniques were efficient for the recovery of the somatic cells according to most of the evaluated parameters for the in vitro culture (p > 0.05). In addition, only at time of 72 h (D3), in the growth curve, DVC fragments showed a reduced cell concentration than fresh control. In conclusion, SSV was found to be a more efficient method for vitrifying collared peccary skin tissue when compared to DVC. These results are relevant for the tissue cryopreservation from collared peccary and could also be useful for mammals with phylogenetic relationships.

Impact of Helicobacter pylori on the healing process of the gastric barrier

AIM

To determine the impact of selected well defined Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) antigens on gastric barrier cell turnover.

METHODS

In this study, using two cellular models of gastric epithelial cells and fibroblasts, we have focused on exploring the effects of well defined H. pylori soluble components such as glycine acid extract antigenic complex (GE), subunit A of urease (UreA), cytotoxin associated gene A protein (CagA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on cell turnover by comparing the wound healing capacity of the cells in terms of their proliferative and metabolic activity as well as cell cycle distribution. Toxic effects of H. pylori components have been assessed in an association with damage to cell nuclei and inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation.

RESULTS

We showed that H. pylori GE, CagA and UreA promoted regeneration of epithelial cells and fibroblasts, which is necessary for effective tissue healing. However, in vivo increased proliferative activity of these cells may constitute an increased risk of gastric neoplasia. In contrast, H. pylori LPS showed a dose-dependent influence on the process of wound healing. At a low concentration (1 ng/mL) H. pylori LPS accelerated of healing epithelial cells, which was linked to significantly enhanced cell proliferation and MTT reduction as well as lack of alterations in cell cycle and downregulation of epidermal growth factor (EGF) production as well as cell nuclei destruction. By comparison, H. pylori LPS at a high concentration (25 ng/mL) inhibited the process of wound repair, which was related to diminished proliferative activity of the cells, cell cycle arrest, destruction of cell nuclei and downregulation of the EGF/STAT3 signalling pathway.

CONCLUSION

In vivo H. pylori LPS driven effects might lead to the maintenance of chronic inflammatory response and pathological disorders on the level of the gastric mucosal barrier.

Isolation, Characterization and Growth Kinetic Comparison of Bone Marrow and Adipose Tissue Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Guinea Pig

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from different sources have different characteristics. Moreover, MSCs are not isolated and characterized in Guinea pig for animal model of cell therapy.

Aim of the Work

was the isolating of bone marrow MSCs (BM-MSCs) and adipose tissue MSCs (AT-MSCs) from Guinea pig and assessing their characteristics.

Material and Methods

In this study, bone marrow and adipose tissue were collected from three Guinea pigs and cultured and expanded through eight passages. BM-MSCs and AT-MSCs at passages 2, 5 and 8 were seeded in 24-well plates in triplicate. Cells were counted from each well 1~7 days after seeding to determine population doubling time (PDT) and cell growth curves. Cells of passage 3 were cultured in osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation media. Results: BM-MSCs and AT-MSCs attached to the culture flask and displayed spindle-shaped morphology. Proliferation rate of AT-MSCs in the analyzed passages was more than BM-MSCs. The increase in the PDT of MSCs occurs with the increase in the number of passages. Moreover, after culture of BM-MSCs and AT-MSCs in differentiation media, the cells differentiated toward osteoblasts and adipocytes as verified by Alizarin Red staining and Oil Red O staining, respectively.

Conclusion

BM-MSCs and AT-MSCs of Guinea pig could be valuable source of multipotent stem cells for use in experimental and preclinical studies in animal models.